The Bills 2008 Off-season

[Devin]

*No im not saying this season is over or that we wont make the playoffs, just simply some thoughts about the direction of the team.

I dont think anyone will argue the importance of this offseason. Going into year 3 this is easily our most crucial offseason and draft if we are to turn the corner. And I will say that generally apart from the 1st round I think Levy has done a great job putting young talent on this team. I liked the Dockery signing and while I am sure there are a bunch of "Well id have liked it better if we signed......." But the past is the past and im not gonna dwell on it.

This year id really like for us to sign really only 3-4 guys via FA. We dont need to go on a shopping spree, and a WR, maybe a DLman and a few depth guys id be happy with. To me signing a #2 WR via FA has to be a priority.

Id like Marv to focus more heavily on signing our guys to extensions. Evans, parrish, Hargrove, Jackson maybe Greer....etc. Keeping the team together and the core group of youngsters for the long term has got to be a primary focus.

Offensivley I feel like building a potent attack really isnt that far off. Yes yes I know we need this and that and everything in between to some people. What the Bills need depends almost solely on which fan you ask. Im actually in favor of keeping the line together with a small exception stolen from Draftboy. I think we are set in most place and feel we can upgrade TE in the draft. Part of our problem has always been size. Bryant johnson is 6-3 and Rucker is 6-7. We give TE two very big targets in the redzone with those two perhaps winning some of those jump balls teams always seem to catch on us. And apart maybe signing a depth player or two we havent gone overboard for anyone player. Most importantly we are young, most everyone is signed, and we have a shot at furthur developing team chemistry.

2008 Offense:

OT: Langston Walker
OG: Jordan Grimes *rookie 2nd
C: Melvin Fowler
OG: Derrick Dockery
OT: Jason Peters
TE: Martin Rucker *rookie 2nd/3rd
WR: Bryant Johnson *FA
WR: Lee Evans
WR: Reed/Parrish
QB: Trent Edwards
RB: Marshawn Lynch/Fred Jackson

The sad reality is I dont believe we will be signing a DE obviously with the contracts our DE's have. And if we draft a guy id say there is a better then average chance its round 3 or later unless someone fell. That said I dont think its unreasonable to think we could sign a 2nd tier DT who wont necessarily be a game changer but certainly an upgrade (and yes Op I know that isnt saying much). Again not a terrible amount of movement and we rely on some draft picks but again I think we improve on this side of the ball without breaking the bank this year or for the future. Drafting a guy like Connor not only gives us a pretty sick young LB corps but doesnt force us to break the bank on Briggs. Williams is a solid DT but his specialty is the pass rush, and assuming McCargo continues his progression it would be a solid compliment.

As far as Williams vs. Starks at DT
**My logic here is Williams is more of a pass rusher. Ten has more cap room then we do and im sure will try and keep the youngster Starks. Starks if im not mistaken plays the same spot as McCargo, and while similar in size Williams is more of a pass rusher. Greenbay seems to be happy with Harrell and Williams ive heard is likely to hit the open market.**

2008 Defense:

DE: Aaron Schobel
DT: John McCargo
DT: Corey Williams *FA
DE: Chris Kelsay
OLB: Angello Crowell
MLB: Paul Posluzny
OLB: Dan Connor *rookie 1st
CB: Terrence McGee
CB: Antoine Cason *rookie (trade up in the 1st or early 2nd) / Greer
SS: Donte Whitner
FS: Ko Simpson/George Wilson

To me the draft is something there is zero room for error. Its clear we have built this team through it the past few years and with the amount of picks we have we have to make them count. Unfortunatley this isnt a terribly deep year at DT and we simply arent in a position to get Ellis or Dorsey. And for where we would be drafting and/or trading up I feel like these are reachable targets. And in the event we gain as high as a 2nd or 3rd as Ingtar mentioned for Losman we obviously are sitting even better.

At the end of the day as I mentioned I dont envision us spending a ton of money, not because ralph is cheap. Because I dont think he is. But more so because I think we are drafting well for the most part and starting to keep a lot of our guys. And god willing Trent works out we all know what franchise QB's cost.

I went the FA route for positions I simply didnt wish to chance to a rookie. Lineman and WR. Grimes being the exception. You cant fix it all in one year but we are getting there in my opinion, and given how young this team is with a good draft this year and a couple signings in FA we are in good shape going forward.

As always thoughts welcome.

[The Answer]

*No im not saying this season is over or that we wont make the playoffs, just simply some thoughts about the direction of the team.

I dont think anyone will argue the importance of this offseason. Going into year 3 this is easily our most crucial offseason and draft if we are to turn the corner. And I will say that generally apart from the 1st round I think Levy has done a great job putting young talent on this team. I liked the Dockery signing and while I am sure there are a bunch of "Well id have liked it better if we signed......." But the past is the past and im not gonna dwell on it.

This year id really like for us to sign really only 3-4 guys via FA. We dont need to go on a shopping spree, and a WR, maybe a DLman and a few depth guys id be happy with. To me signing a #2 WR via FA has to be a priority.

Id like Marv to focus more heavily on signing our guys to extensions. Evans, parrish, Hargrove, Jackson maybe Greer....etc. Keeping the team together and the core group of youngsters for the long term has got to be a primary focus.

Offensivley I feel like building a potent attack really isnt that far off. Yes yes I know we need this and that and everything in between to some people. What the Bills need depends almost solely on which fan you ask. Im actually in favor of keeping the line together with a small exception stolen from Draftboy. I think we are set in most place and feel we can upgrade TE in the draft. Part of our problem has always been size. Bryant johnson is 6-3 and Rucker is 6-7. We give TE two very big targets in the redzone with those two perhaps winning some of those jump balls teams always seem to catch on us. And apart maybe signing a depth player or two we havent gone overboard for anyone player. Most importantly we are young, most everyone is signed, and we have a shot at furthur developing team chemistry.

2008 Offense:

OT: Langston Walker
OG: Jordan Grimes *rookie 2nd
C: Melvin Fowler
OG: Derrick Dockery
OT: Jason Peters
TE: Martin Rucker *rookie 2nd/3rd
WR: Bryant Johnson *FA
WR: Lee Evans
WR: Reed/Parrish
QB: Trent Edwards
RB: Marshawn Lynch/Fred Jackson

The sad reality is I dont believe we will be signing a DE obviously with the contracts our DE's have. And if we draft a guy id say there is a better then average chance its round 3 or later unless someone fell. That said I dont think its unreasonable to think we could sign a 2nd tier DT who wont necessarily be a game changer but certainly an upgrade (and yes Op I know that isnt saying much). Again not a terrible amount of movement and we rely on some draft picks but again I think we improve on this side of the ball without breaking the bank this year or for the future. Drafting a guy like Connor not only gives us a pretty sick young LB corps but doesnt force us to break the bank on Briggs. Williams is a solid DT but his specialty is the pass rush, and assuming McCargo continues his progression it would be a solid compliment.

2008 Defense:

DE: Aaron Schobel
DT: John McCargo
DT: Corey Williams *FA
DE: Chris Kelsay
OLB: Angello Crowell
MLB: Paul Posluzny
OLB: Dan Connor *rookie 1st
CB: Terrence McGee
CB: Antoine Cason *rookie (trade up in the 1st or early 2nd) / Greer
SS: Donte Whitner
FS: Ko Simpson/George Wilson

To me the draft is something there is zero room for error. Its clear we have built this team through it the past few years and with the amount of picks we have we have to make them count. Unfortunatley this isnt a terribly deep year at DT and we simply arent in a position to get Ellis or Dorsey. And for where we would be drafting and/or trading up I feel like these are reachable targets. And in the event we gain as high as a 2nd or 3rd as Ingtar mentioned for Losman we obviously are sitting even better.

At the end of the day as I mentioned I dont envision us spending a ton of money, not because ralph is cheap. Because I dont think he is. But more so because I think we are drafting well for the most part and starting to keep a lot of our guys. And god willing Trent works out we all know what franchise QB's cost.

I went the FA route for positions I simply didnt wish to chance to a rookie. Lineman and WR. Grimes being the exception. You cant fix it all in one year but we are getting there in my opinion, and given how young this team is with a good draft this year and a couple signings in FA we are in good shape going forward.

As always thoughts welcome.

That's a damn good offseason - but we are definitely going to have to address the pass rush and bring in a legit impact DE.

~The Answer

[DraftBoy]

Good plan, Id prefer Starks over Williams as the DT signing, and maybe LB Boss Bailey for a solid backup LB. Other than that Id be estatic with a Day 1 Draft like that coupled with those FA signings.

[Devin]

While I agree I just dont see it happening. Schobel is our franchise DE as evidenced by his contract which he will not be removed from anytime soon. And I cant see them sitting Kelsay.

I dont disagree with you I simply dont believe DE is something we are going to address above the top 2-3 rounds

[Dr. Lecter]

I am not sure RG is a need. Butler has been improving rapidly, imo.

[DraftBoy]

I am not sure RG is a need. Butler has been improving rapidly, imo.

improving is one thing he'll never be the road grader that we really need on the line. Grimes is a stud, Id like to see them move Butler to OC if possible.

[Dr. Lecter]

improving is one thing he'll never be the road grader that we really need on the line. Grimes is a stud, Id like to see them move Butler to OC if possible.

I don't think a road grader is a must. Look at Denver's line. All are under 300 lbs.


Guard is way down my list:

#2 WR
TE
CB
OLB
#2 QB
DT
DE
C
RG

[Devin]

Good plan, Id prefer Starks over Williams as the DT signing, and maybe LB Boss Bailey for a solid backup LB. Other than that Id be estatic with a Day 1 Draft like that coupled with those FA signings.

Well my logic there was Williams is more of a pass rusher. Ten has more cap room then we do and im sure will try and keep the youngster starks.

Starks if im not mistaken plays the same spot as McCargo, and while similar in size Williams is more of a pass rusher.

Greenbay seems to be happy with Harrell and Williams ive heard is likely to hit the open market.

[Mahdi]

Good plan, Id prefer Starks over Williams as the DT signing, and maybe LB Boss Bailey for a solid backup LB. Other than that Id be estatic with a Day 1 Draft like that coupled with those FA signings.

Corey Williams is a Warren Sapp type player that we need.... he gets to the QB and gets plenty of sacks... already has 8 or so this year.

[DraftBoy]

I don't think a road grader is a must. Look at Denver's line. All are under 300 lbs.


Guard is way down my list:

#2 WR
TE
CB
OLB
#2 QB
DT
DE
C
RG

They also employ a ZBS scheme which we dont, both Lynch and Jackson have to make too many moves and shake too many tackles to get more than 2 or 3 yards they are good but eventually that many hits will wear backs down. RG is a top 5 priority.

[DraftBoy]

Well my logic there was Williams is more of a pass rusher. Ten has more cap room then we do and im sure will try and keep the youngster starks.

Starks if im not mistaken plays the same spot as McCargo, and while similar in size Williams is more of a pass rusher.

Greenbay seems to be happy with Harrell and Williams ive heard is likely to hit the open market.

So I see now, Williams would be a great addition

[DraftBoy]

Corey Williams is a Warren Sapp type player that we need.... he gets to the QB and gets plenty of sacks... already has 8 or so this year.

I agree and after review Im more inclined to agree with the Williams signing over Starks

[Devin]

Corey Williams is a Warren Sapp type player that we need.... he gets to the QB and gets plenty of sacks... already has 8 or so this year.

he had a breakout year last year with 6 or 7 and this year he has 7 with 3 FF and an INT.

He is sort of the guy I pictured when typing this up wed go after and throw our money at.

[Dr. Lecter]

They also employ a ZBS scheme which we dont, both Lynch and Jackson have to make too many moves and shake too many tackles to get more than 2 or 3 yards they are good but eventually that many hits will wear backs down. RG is a top 5 priority.

Over which position though? Not #2 WR or TE. And a #2 QB is a must. So is CB (McGee and who else? Greer is a good back-up).

Maybe ahead of OLB if DiG moves outside.

[DraftBoy]

Over which position though? Not #2 WR or TE. And a #2 QB is a must. So is CB (McGee and who else? Greer is a good back-up).

Maybe ahead of OLB if DiG moves outside.

1. WR
2. TE
3. RG
4. CB
5. DT
6. OC
7. #3 QB

I think we'll handle DT and #2 QB via FA

Greer has outplayed McGee this year, how is he only a solid backup? Id switch the roles

[Dr. Lecter]

1. WR
2. TE
3. RG
4. CB
5. DT
6. OC
7. #3 QB

I think we'll handle DT and #2 QB via FA

I was including FA on my list. (i.e. general off-season moves).

The Bills should address WR as FA first, as they tend to take time to develop.

[Devin]

1. WR
2. TE
3. RG
4. CB
5. DT
6. OC
7. #3 QB

I think we'll handle DT and #2 QB via FA

Greer has outplayed McGee this year, how is he only a solid backup? Id switch the roles

Agreed although id probably mix in DE somewhere up there but yeah thats probably pretty close to how id see it. In fact you could probably argue OG/OC of equal importance.

[camelcowboy]

Isn't TJ Hackett available with the money they sank in Branch and Burleson what are the odds he shakes free?

[DraftBoy]

I was including FA on my list. (i.e. general off-season moves).

The Bills should address WR as FA first, as they tend to take time to develop.

I dont disagree but we need more than 1 WR imo

[DraftBoy]

Isn't TJ Hackett available with the money they sank in Branch and Burleson what are the odds he shakes free?

Depends I dont know Seattle's situation. You'd imagine he could unless one of the top 2 get hurt.